2006 ALEXANDER VALLEY
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
During the New Millennium, all the even numbered
years in our vineyards have produced excellent wines
with somewhat similar characteristics: intensity of
flavor and a rich body. Grapevines can often get in an
up and down cycle to produce such results. One year,
they use up lots of their carbohydrates (energy)
developing the vine structure (woody parts and roots)
and ripening a bountiful crop of fruit, and the next
year they may be a little tired. When vines are low in
energy early in the season, they often set a smaller
crop that can be ripened with less work, which allows
for a build up of carbohydrates.
In 2005, for example, the crop of Robert Young Estate
Chardonnay was a relatively large one. In 2006 it was a
smaller one, similar to 2002 and 2004. We are pleased to
see that the wines of ’02, ’04, and ’06 are similar as
well. As you will recall, our 2002 and 2004 Chardonnays
received big scores and rave reviews for their lush
mouth feel and ripe fruit flavors and aromas. The 2006
will score the same, we are sure of that.
The 2006 Robert Young Estate Alexander Valley
Chardonnay has rich aromas of sweet red apple,
pineapple, and tropical fruits, typically produced by
our Robert Young Chardonnay clone. But this 2006
Chardonnay has more. It is spicy, has a zest of lemon
and cream and a little vanilla. The body of the wine is
near perfect. It has weight, but at the same time is
silky and light. The wine has balance. It coats the
mouth in a most pleasing way, lingers, and then leaves
you with its memory in a subtle way.
REVIEWS & AWARDS FOR ALEXANDER VALLEY CHARDONNAY
2006 Alexander Valley Estate Chardonnay
90 Points, Wine Spectator
2006 Alexander Valley Estate Chardonnay
92 Points, Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast Magazine
July, 2009 issue
2004 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator, April 30, 2005, Rating: 92 points.
“92, Robert Young Chardonnay Alexander Valley 2004 $37.
Ripe, with sweet fig, tangerine and melon flavors that
are elegant and creamy. Neatly tapered, long and smooth
on the finish, ending with a dash of hazelnut.
Delicious. Drink now through 2010. 2,704 cases made.”
–JL. Wine Spectator Magazine, April 30th, 2007
2003 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
93 points, 2 “puffs,” Connoisseurs’ Guide, October 2005
Leading with rich aromas of sweet cream, vanilla and
optimally ripened apples, this impressively filled
offering fans out on the palate with luscious flavors
that build on the richness and very deep fruit of the
nose. Although it is moderately full-bodied and
wonderfully smooth in texture, it is also quite lively
and keenly balanced throughout its considerable length.
2002 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator, April 30, 2005, Rating: 92 points.
‘Rich and creamy, with tiers of buttery pear, hazelnut,
marshmallow, anise and smoke, it shows off the ripeness
of the fruit and pretty oak.
Drink now through 2008. 1,240 cases made.’ James Laube”
2002 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Advocate #157, February 2005.
Robert Young Estate Winery 2002 Chardonnay, Rating: 92
points.
“A beautiful nose of white currants, peaches, and pears
is followed by a medium to full-bodied Chardonnay
revealing loads of flavor, a beautiful texture, and a
honeyed complexity.” –Robert Parker
2001 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator ~ October 2003
93 Points A delicious Chardonnay the mixes ripe,
vibrant, creamy pear, fig, honeysuckle and nectarine
flavors with a light dash of toasty oak that adds a
touch of hazelnut.
2000 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Enthusiast ~ Best of 2001
Editors Choice & Best White Wine Of The Year
96 Points The long anticipated wine from longtime
grower-turned vintner swings for the fences. Begins with
fascinating, complex aromas - highlighted by lees,
pineapple, cinnamon, smoke and white chocolate - and
dazzles with its sheer opulence. Everything come
together in pinpointing harmony, right down to the
mind-bogglingly beautiful finish.
Wine Country This Week - November 2002
94 Points A marvelous balanced wine with ripe apple and
pear fruit on the opening, leading to a creamy center
and a long refreshing finish. One of the best California
Chardonnays I've tasted in a while - Larry Walker
Wine Spectator ~ June 2002
89 Points A bold, rich and complex wine, with tiers of
ripe pear, spice, fig and a touch of bubble gum flavor.
Light oak adds a subtle flavor dimension of complexity -
J.L.
Sante Magazine ~ June 2003
Medium bodied and clean with vibrant fruit, ripe peach
unsalted butter, orange creme brulee, sandlewood, and
notes of roasted coffee bean; long tart finish
1999 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator ~ March 2001
92 Points Ultraripe, rich and creamy, with exotic
tropical fruit flavors of fig, guava, pineapple and pear
accented by smoky, toasted oak flavors that linger, -
J.L.
Robert Young Estate Winery phone: 707 431-4811 fax: 707 431-4812 email:
info@ryew.com |
